Apush Period 6 Review Challenge

APUSH Period 6 Review Challenge: Mastering the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (1865-1917)

This comprehensive guide tackles the APUSH Period 6 review, covering the crucial years from 1865 to 1917 – a period of immense transformation marked by rapid industrialization, vast economic inequality, and the rise of progressive reform movements. This challenge isn't just about memorizing dates; it's about understanding the interconnectedness of social, political, and economic changes that shaped modern America. We'll break down the key concepts, significant events, and influential figures to help you conquer the APUSH Period 6 exam with confidence.

I. Introduction: The Gilded Age and its Contradictions

Period 6, encompassing the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era, presents a fascinating paradox: unprecedented economic growth juxtaposed with widespread social inequality and corruption. The term "Gilded Age," coined by Mark Twain, perfectly captures this duality – a thin layer of gold (wealth and prosperity) covering deep-seated problems. This era witnessed the rise of industrial titans like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, who amassed immense fortunes through ruthless business practices. However, this wealth was not evenly distributed, leading to stark class divisions and the rise of powerful labor movements fighting for better working conditions and fair wages. This period sets the stage for the Progressive Era, a time of significant social and political reform aimed at addressing these inequalities.

II. Key Concepts & Themes: Understanding the Big Picture

To truly master Period 6, you must grasp these overarching themes:

• Industrialization and its Consequences: The rapid growth of industries like steel, railroads, and oil transformed the American economy but also created significant problems. This includes monopoly formation (trusts and cartels), labor exploitation, urbanization and its challenges (overcrowding, poverty, sanitation), and environmental degradation.

• Westward Expansion and its Impact: The closing of the frontier and the continued westward expansion profoundly impacted Native American populations, leading to conflicts and displacement. The Homestead Act and the transcontinental railroad played pivotal roles in shaping the West, but often at the expense of indigenous communities.

• Immigration and its Effects: Massive waves of immigration from Europe and Asia transformed American demographics and culture. While immigrants contributed significantly to the economy, they also faced discrimination, nativism, and difficult assimilation processes. This era saw the rise of ethnic enclaves in major cities.

• Political Corruption and Reform: Political machines controlled many city governments, engaging in bribery and corruption. This led to calls for reform, aiming to clean up politics and increase government efficiency and accountability.

• The Rise of Progressivism: The Progressive Era saw a wide range of reform movements aimed at addressing social and economic problems. These included efforts to regulate big business, improve working conditions, protect consumers, and advance women's suffrage. Muckrakers, investigative journalists, played a key role in exposing corruption and inspiring reform.

• Imperialism and its Justification: The United States began to expand its influence overseas, acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines after the Spanish-American War. This expansion was justified using various arguments, including economic interests, racial superiority, and a sense of "manifest destiny."

• Social and Cultural Transformations: The Gilded Age and the Progressive Era witnessed significant changes in American society, including the rise of new forms of entertainment, the growth of mass culture, and the increasing influence of women in public life. This includes the development of social movements and changing social norms.

III. Significant Events and Figures: Putting it All Together

This section highlights crucial events and influential individuals from APUSH Period 6:

• The Transcontinental Railroad: Completed in 1869, it connected the East and West Coasts, facilitating westward expansion, trade, and communication, but also contributing to the displacement of Native American tribes.

• Industrial Leaders (Robber Barons/Captains of Industry): Andrew Carnegie (steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), J.P. Morgan (finance) – understanding their business strategies, philanthropic activities, and the impact of their monopolies is crucial.

• Labor Movements: The Knights of Labor, the American Federation of Labor (AFL), and various strikes (e.g., Haymarket Square, Pullman Strike) highlight the struggle for workers' rights and the growing tension between labor and capital.

• Populism and the Populist Party: This agrarian movement aimed to address the concerns of farmers and workers, advocating for reforms like government regulation of railroads and free coinage of silver.

• The Spanish-American War (1898): This conflict led to the acquisition of overseas territories and marked the beginning of American imperialism.

• Progressive Era Reforms: This includes the 16th (income tax), 17th (direct election of senators), 18th (Prohibition), and 19th (women's suffrage) Amendments. Also consider the role of Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and other progressive leaders in pushing for reforms.

• Muckrakers: Ida Tarbell (Standard Oil), Upton Sinclair (The Jungle), Lincoln Steffens – their investigative journalism exposed corruption and social injustices, prompting public outcry and reform efforts.

• The Rise of Jim Crow Laws: Despite the promise of Reconstruction, the South witnessed the rise of segregation and disenfranchisement of African Americans through Jim Crow laws and violence. The Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) legally sanctioned segregation.

• Native American Policy: The Dawes Act (1887) aimed to assimilate Native Americans by breaking up tribal lands, but instead led to further loss of land and cultural disruption.

IV. Analyzing Primary Sources: Developing Historical Thinking Skills

The APUSH exam often includes primary source analysis. Practicing this skill is crucial. When analyzing primary sources from Period 6, consider:

• Author's Perspective and Bias: Who created the source? What is their background and potential bias?

• Historical Context: When was the source created? What events were happening at that time?

• Intended Audience: Who was the source intended for? How might this influence its message?

• Main Idea and Supporting Evidence: What is the main point of the source? What evidence is used to support it?

• Significance and Limitations: What is the historical significance of the source? What are its limitations as a historical source?

V. Practice Questions & Essay Prompts: Testing Your Knowledge

To solidify your understanding, practice answering these types of questions:

• Multiple Choice Questions: These will test your knowledge of specific events, figures, and concepts.

• Short Answer Questions: These require you to provide concise answers to specific questions, demonstrating your understanding of key concepts and historical relationships.

• Document Based Questions (DBQs): These require you to analyze multiple primary sources to answer a specific historical question. This tests your ability to synthesize information from various sources.

• Long Essay Questions (LEQs): These require you to write a well-supported essay addressing a specific historical question, demonstrating your ability to construct a historical argument and support it with evidence.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What is the difference between a Robber Baron and a Captain of Industry?

  • A: The terms are often used interchangeably, but they represent different perspectives. "Robber Baron" suggests unethical business practices, exploitation of workers, and monopolistic control. "Captain of Industry" portrays these same individuals as innovative leaders who drove economic growth and contributed to philanthropy. The difference is largely one of interpretation and the historian's perspective.

• Q: How did the Progressive Era differ from the Gilded Age?

  • A: The Gilded Age was characterized by laissez-faire economics, widespread inequality, and political corruption. The Progressive Era, in response, saw a surge in reform movements aimed at addressing these issues through government regulation, social programs, and increased political participation.

• Q: What were the main goals of the Progressive movement?

  • A: Progressives sought to curb the power of big business, improve working conditions, protect consumers, reform local and national government, and promote social justice. Key goals included women’s suffrage, temperance, and environmental conservation.

• Q: How did westward expansion impact Native Americans?

  • A: Westward expansion resulted in the displacement, dispossession, and cultural destruction of Native American tribes. Conflicts, broken treaties, and forced assimilation policies severely impacted Native American populations and their way of life.

VII. Conclusion: A Legacy of Change and Reform

Period 6 of APUSH marks a pivotal era in American history, laying the foundation for many of the social, political, and economic structures that define the United States today. Understanding the complexities of industrialization, immigration, westward expansion, political corruption, and the rise of progressivism is crucial for comprehending the ongoing evolution of American society. By mastering the key concepts, events, and figures of this period, you will not only succeed on the APUSH exam but also gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped the nation you live in. Remember that the best way to prepare is through consistent effort, careful review, and practicing analysis of historical sources. Good luck!